Sonic Automotive Acquires Additional Luxury Brands in Houston Market

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), a leader in automotive retailing, announced the acquisition of the Jaguar and Land Rover franchises from PPE Houston, Ltd. in Houston, Texas. This dealership represents approximately $90 million in annual revenues. In addition, we have been awarded an additional open point for both franchises giving us exclusive representation of these prestigious brands in one of the largest automotive markets in America. Including this acquisition, the Houston market represents Sonic's largest platform with total annualized revenues of approximately $1.3 billion.

Jeffrey C. Rachor, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "We are extremely pleased to add these two luxury dealerships to our already strong portfolio of luxury brands in the Houston market. This acquisition is consistent with our portfolio enrichment strategy of acquiring premium brands with stable operations that we can take to the next level of operating performance by implementing our proven best practices. We will continue to target similar acquisition opportunities within our geographical footprint in order to leverage our regional infrastructure."

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 173 franchises and 37 collision repair centers. Sonic can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

Included herein are forward-looking statements regarding future acquisition plans. There are many factors that affect management's views about future events and trends of the Company's business. These factors involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results or trends to differ materially from management's view, including without limitation, economic conditions, risks associated with acquisitions and the risk factors described in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward- looking information.

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Released January 26, 2007